Jason Sancho’s Manchester City reunion looks to have been placed on hold for a while longer, according to a report in The Athletic.
Injury Likely to Halt Jadon Sancho’s Manchester City Reunion
Injury Delaying Sancho Return
Tuesday, April 6 was set to see Jadon Sancho face his former employers Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the quarter-final of this seasons Champions League. Sancho started his career at City in the academy but failed to make a breakthrough into the first team and opted for a move to Bundelsiga giants Borussia Dortmund two seasons ago.
Tuesday’s game was seen by many as the opportunity for Sancho to show City what they have missed, amid talk of a possible future return to Manchester (although for the red half of the city in the coming summer transfer window) but injury looks like putting halt to his immediate return at least.
On-Form Sancho to be Big Miss for Dortmund
Since Sancho picked up his injury early in March, he has not featured for Dortmund. The team have missed his presence as they have only managed one win in their last five games. Sancho had been in good form with six goals and nine assists prior to his injury and his absence has also coincided with the club dropping out of the top four by seven points and struggling for form.
Sancho adds a real pace and energy to Dortmnd and his absence for the first leg tie is another blow in what is proving to be a tough season.
Top Four Failure Could Hasten Erling Haaland Departure
Whilst Sancho is a big miss, Dortmund have another star in their midst in the form of Erling Haaland, who is coveted by Manchester City as well as the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United.
Finishing outside of the top four could make keeping Haaland tricky and the clubs’ sporting director told German media outlet Welt am Sonntag: “If he ever left us somewhere, there would only be a handful of clubs, but we’ll try to keep him as long as possible for sporting reasons.
“We don’t want to play in the Europa League on Thursdays. We want to give our calling card in the Champions League.”
Keeping Haaland could also be key in the club keeping hold of Sancho as well.
Sancho Could Become Pawn in Haaland Chase
Ironically Sancho could still become a vital part of any attempt by Pep Guardiola to bring Haaland to the Etihad this summer. Sancho has a sell on clause in his contract from when he left the Etihad and if City were to waive that fee, which would be around £15 million based on the players current suggested valuation of £100 million, it could be a sweetener in their pursuit of Haaland.
Guardiola Has ‘No Regrets’ Over Sancho Sale
Pep Guardiola has said he is happy to see his former player doing well in Germany and that he does not regret the club selling the 21-year-old star in 2017, telling BBC Sport: “I’ve said many times, it is not a regret. He decides. He’s doing really well.”
Whilst the City boss may not regret the sale it is certain that he will be breathing a sigh of relief at not having to face the player in the first leg on Tuesday night in a competition that so far has eluded Guardiola at City. Sancho’s predicted absence will do City’s chances of progression no harm at all.
Jadon Sancho’s Manchester City reunion could still happen in the second leg on April 14 in Germany and, should he be fit, the young Englishman will be in no mood to show mercy to his former teammates or manager.
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